How to: Miniature Garden

Stone statues are often used to decorate miniature gardens.

Miniature gardens are small replicas of larger gardens, built into a much smaller area. These gardens are great for rooftops, small yards or window boxes. The gardens are made from a variety of different plants, including mini evergreens, tropical plants and everyday vegetable or mini versions of flowering plants

Things You'll Need

• Soil
• Container
• Fertilizer
• Plants

Instructions

1. Determine the site for the mini garden. Whether it is indoors or out, you need to review the site for temperature, sunlight, soil and water drainage before choosing plants for the mini garden. For example, an outdoor mini garden that receives morning sun and ample water drainage will not accommodate the same types of plants as an afternoon, non-draining site.

2. Choose a theme for the mini garden. Some possible themes are miniature replicas of forests, backyards, rustic, mini vegetable or mini flower gardens. The theme will not only depend on personal preference but also on the conditions of the planting area.

3. Determine what type of weather is necessary for the garden. Some tropical plants, which thrive at 60 degrees or above year round, work well for miniature gardens to be kept indoors. Other types of mini gardens, such as forest replicas, will survive and bloom again after a period of frigid temperatures. These gardens belong outdoors in Northern areas. Knowing the best way to care for the plants will help determine if it is an indoor or outdoor garden.

4. Choose a container if it will be an indoor garden. The container needs to be large enough to not only hold the complete garden but to allow each plant enough room to bloom or produce. If possible, choose a container that is decorated to match your theme.

5. Fill the container with soil or overturn the outdoor soil and plant the seeds or infant plants into the prepared area. Follow the recommendations for each plant for spacing and planting tips. For example, if a plant needs two inches of space between each seed or small plant, place the seed or plant two inches from every other type of plant. Make sure the plants also harmonize with each other and one plant will not overshadow then kill another.

6. Add fertilizer and water as recommended to the soil. Some plants will return year after year, some will remain through the winter months while others die after one season. The type of plant you work with will depend on personal preference.

References

• West Seattle Herald: A Garden for All: How to Start a Miniature Garden
• Bachmans: Gardening in Miniature